Women's Track Team Named NAIA's National Champions of Character

By

Rebecca Svec

June 5, 2012

The Doane Women's Track & Field Team was selected as the recipient of this year's NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field Champions of Character Team Award. They were selected from a group of nominees by the Track & Field Games Committee. The national award is earned by teams who display exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community.

The honor is the second Champions of Character Team Award of the year for Doane's track program, as the men's team was recognized during the indoor season in February.

The women's team received the honor at the annual NAIA luncheon, where their coach, Ed Fye, was recognized among coaches who earned conference coach-of-the-year honors.

According to Fye, the Champions of Character awards show that success at Doane is not only measured in competition but through individual character. Team members complete numerous community service projects, from volunteering at Crete Middle and Elementary schools to helping with a local backpack program that serves families in need of food.

Coach Fye says it is important to lead a team who possesses integrity in the classroom in addition to on the track.

"The high standards we have set for our team are carried over into the classroom. While an athlete is in college, it is most important that they lead a life of academic integrity."

The program has been very successful in the classroom, maintaining a 90-percent graduation rate over the last 10 years. Doane earned more than 30 NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors in the past three years and athletes have earned the prestigious Academic All-American honor.